Located within a somewhat "Disneyesque" village, Izmailovo Market is the largest and arguably most eclectic flea market in all of Europe. Vendors in this market sell everything from stereotypical Russian souvenirs (marshrutka dolls, ushankas (big fur hats), porcelain dolls, etc.) to incredibly unique clothing, paintings, antiques, artifacts, war medallions, and other authentic remnants of Soviet history. Originally opened in 1980, the market was created to entertain travelers attending the Olympic Games held that Summer in Moscow. The market was such a successful attraction, for both tourists and Russians alike, that it has continued to open its gates every Saturday and Sunday since.
Lindsey and I had the pleasure of visiting Izmailovo last weekend. I must say, once you become accustomed to the constant jostling, aggressive vendors, and keeping a watchful eye on your pockets, the market has an undeniable charm. There really is something for everyone. I was particularly drawn to the military artifacts and memorabilia. Even today, despite recent Westernization, (and from my non-expert vantage point) there seems to be a faint and residual militaristic aura interwoven into the fabric of everyday life here in Moscow... from the authoritative architecture to the unwritten "codes of conduct" in the Metro system, you are able to find traces of Soviet history just about everywhere you go. Many of these artifacts at Izmailovo are pieces of the vendor's personal family history... belongings of fallen soldiers or even letters written to family during wartime... extremely cool stuff. This would have been an absolute gold mine of supplies during my "playing guns" years of childhood... those Corrigans wouldn't have stood a chance!
Izmailovo is definitely the kind of place you need to visit multiple times. We spent around 5 hours wandering the labyrinth of booths an probably saw just about half of the available merchandise. We will certainly go back, and rumor has it the deals get hotter as the weather gets colder, vendors are more willing to negotiate prices when there are fewer tourists to scam! Also, just an aside for Cath, there are tons of vendors selling "shabby-chic" (I'm told that's the appropriate term) antique furniture, chests, shelves, etc. If you pay for shipping I can totally hook you up!
Here are a few pictures to give you a little taste of the market!
Lindsey and I had the pleasure of visiting Izmailovo last weekend. I must say, once you become accustomed to the constant jostling, aggressive vendors, and keeping a watchful eye on your pockets, the market has an undeniable charm. There really is something for everyone. I was particularly drawn to the military artifacts and memorabilia. Even today, despite recent Westernization, (and from my non-expert vantage point) there seems to be a faint and residual militaristic aura interwoven into the fabric of everyday life here in Moscow... from the authoritative architecture to the unwritten "codes of conduct" in the Metro system, you are able to find traces of Soviet history just about everywhere you go. Many of these artifacts at Izmailovo are pieces of the vendor's personal family history... belongings of fallen soldiers or even letters written to family during wartime... extremely cool stuff. This would have been an absolute gold mine of supplies during my "playing guns" years of childhood... those Corrigans wouldn't have stood a chance!
Izmailovo is definitely the kind of place you need to visit multiple times. We spent around 5 hours wandering the labyrinth of booths an probably saw just about half of the available merchandise. We will certainly go back, and rumor has it the deals get hotter as the weather gets colder, vendors are more willing to negotiate prices when there are fewer tourists to scam! Also, just an aside for Cath, there are tons of vendors selling "shabby-chic" (I'm told that's the appropriate term) antique furniture, chests, shelves, etc. If you pay for shipping I can totally hook you up!
Here are a few pictures to give you a little taste of the market!
